Lawrence quits Labor frontbench
Dr Lawrence says she may not contest the next election if the Opposition does not change its refugee policy.
She says her opposition to the new refugee policy was the trigger for her resignation.
The federal Caucus approved the party's policy this morning, which still provides for mandatory detention of asylum seekers.
Dr Lawrence says the party has lost its direction and she wants to work from the backbench to try to recapture the values of the ALP.
"I don't want to belong to a Labor Party that's just marginally different to the Liberals," she said.
"If you want the original, go for it. Why would you want a facsimile?"
Dr Lawrence says the Shadow Cabinet no longer stands for the Labor Party's values.
She says it is timid and conservative, with policies designed for opinion polls and the media.
FULL STORY.
She's to Simple Simon what Tony Benn was to Lickspittle Tony. Ironic (but becoming more common) that it takes a female member of the Labour Party to show some balls on this issue. Putting on my political pundit hat (you know, those tri cornered hats with bells attached) if Simon the Bland is still leader of the Labour Party in 12 months time I will start eating tofu.
